Housing Associations unite to say no to gun and knife crimes

More than 250 young people flocked to the famous Ministry of Sound dance venue in Southwark for an anti-gun and knife crime event organised in partnership by L&Q, Servite Houses, Peabody Trust, Wandle Housing and Southwark Police.

"Put it Down" aimed to educate London’s young people about the alternatives to getting involved with gangs and gun and knife crime. Put it Down instead showcased the many creative opportunities available to them.

Young people enthusiastically took part in all the creative workshops on offer. Foundation4Life ran mentoring workshops, Live Magazine taught interested young people about journalism while Choice FM Peace on the Streets held Djing lessons.

The crowd then moved into the main room where they were entertained by a line-up of their musical role models who encouraged the attendees to say no to gangs. Victims of gun and knife crime then shared their traumatic experiences with the audience.

Carol Hayton, Neighbourhood Investment Team Leader for L&Q’s South Neighbourhood said: "For many young people and communities in London gang culture and gun and knife crime is all too real. We want people to know that the situation is not yet hopeless. Put It Down was a great opportunity for all of the housing partners and local police to work together with youths to tackle the serious issues at hand. L&Q is committed to working with local communities and partner organisations to improve the lives of residents."

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